plebs
Americannoun
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(in ancient Rome) the common people, as contrasted with the patricians and later with the senatorial nobility or the equestrian order.
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the common people; the populace.
noun
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(functioning as plural) the common people; the masses
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(functioning as singular or plural) common people of ancient Rome Compare patrician
Etymology
Origin of plebs
First recorded in 1640–50, plebs is from the Latin word plēbs, plēbēs
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the film, Mulligan plays on half of a disbanded folk band with her ex-boyfriend, played by Plebs star Basden.
From BBC • May 29, 2025
Plebs, the sitcom about a group of mates negotiating their way through Roman society, is coming to an end.
From BBC • Dec. 10, 2022
Plebs weren't covered by the Magna Carta, see.
From The Guardian • Jun. 16, 2014
A playful disregard for historical accuracy and some strong comic turns, most notably from Ryan Sampson as dimwit slave Grumio, make Rome-com Plebs a more enjoyable watch than its ropey-looking trails suggest.
From The Guardian • Apr. 6, 2013
As Tribune of the Plebs four years before, he had taken an active part in opposing the Patricians, and was now suspected of plotting against the Decemvirs.
From A Smaller History of Rome by Smith, William, Sir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
